How to Raise Chickensfrom Chicks

How to raise chickens usually starts by learning all about chickens especially when your going to be raising chicks.

Learn all about chickens to get the basics so that you will be successful when trying to raise these life giving birds.

The different breeds of chickens can be grouped into a few different categories. Understanding these categories will help you to make up your mind on what type of chicken is best for your needs.

Raising chicks can be a fun adventure and you can even have mail order chicks arrive at your doorstep. Learn all about chickens to get you off to a good start on this exciting adventure.

All About Chickens

Baby Chickens are Called Chicks

A Young Hen is Called a Pullet

Adult Females are Called Hens

A Young Rooster is Called Cockerel

Adult Males are Called Roosters

Hens typically start to lay eggs at about 5 to 6 months of age

Hens do not need a rooster to lay eggs or to lay unfertilized eggs

Hens typically lay less eggs in cold weather

Bantams are Miniature Chickens (eggs will be about 1/2 the size)

Roosters are larger than hens

Roosters are more brightly colored than hens

Roosters are the ones that make a very loud noise (typically early in the morning)

How to Raise Chickens - Deadly Mistakes to Avoid

The Different Breeds of Chickens

Egg Layer Breeds - good egg laying breeds are known for their high egg
productivity, but not necessarily for their meat.

These chickens won't make good
birds for eating because they'll lack in size.

The Leghorn is a
great example of an egg laying breed.

Dual Purpose Breeds - dual purpose breeds are birds that are
good egg layers as well as good meat birds.

Dual purpose chickens are
usually more self sufficient birds.

Barred
Rock and Rhode Island Reds are a great dual purpose bird.

Meat Breeds - meat breeds are a combination of the many
different breeds of chickens.

This chicken is bred for certain
characteristics such as a heavier body and more breast meat.

The
Cornish Rock is a good example of a meat breed.

How to Raise Chickens - Raising Chicks

Raising chicks does require a little knowledge in order to be successful.

Day old chicks generally need their environment to be approximately 95
degrees F.

You can reduce the heat by 5 degrees every week until the
temperature reaches 70 degrees F and your chicks reach 6 weeks of age.

How to Raise Chickens - Mail Order Chicks

You must also protect your chicks from any predators and they
will need some sort of bedding - preferably from something like pine
shavings to stay comfortable.

You also need to feed a high quality chick starter feed for the first
6 weeks and provide an ample source of water for your chicks to grow
properly. Check your chicks on a regular basis to make sure that they are comfortable and not too hot or too cold.